About this project

$3,889

pledged of $3,200 goal

62

backers

Happy Day!To help push the campaign over the mark I'm going to be
offering a small digi-craft gift as a thank you for anyone who pledges
for a series item. The object is a small wooden pen/pencil holder for
your desk. See the updates section for a rough concept rendering of what
I'll be putting together for you. A sincere thanks!
Matt _______________________________________________________________

This Kickstarter project will allow me to launch a unique product line through cottage industry in digital ceramics.

Here's your chance to get a first edition piece at a price much lower than retail and help me get my designs out into the world!

For six weeks I did an investigation into the value of digital tools with craft ceramics production. The results yielded a number of valuable techniques and 15 product designs. With this Kickstarter project I'm seeking funds to do a first production run of the best of these designs and launch my digital ceramics design studio now that I'm graduating..

Five selected designs of the research series will be produced in a first
edition production run of 200 pieces. The porcelain night light will
be the exception in a first edition run of 50 pieces.

Why should you make a pledge?

- Making a pledge for this project is laying the foundation of a studio
practice for a devoted emerging designer who's ideals and enthusiasm you
resonate with.

- You can also pledge just because you think the objects are wonderfully unique and beautiful and want one for yourself. (Nothing would make me happier)

- In addition to allowing the production of my selected research
designs, I'm hoping to support the community of all makers to utilize
these resources by providing this information on these processes.

The Details:

I'm graduating this year with a BFA in Product Design and unwittingly fell deep into ceramics after doing some research and prototyping looking into the value of digital tools in craft ceramics production. I'm hoping to realize a first edition production run of the best of these designs. The series from this project will be the first legitimate launch of my independent product design studio invested in natural materials and functional beauty in addition to responsible and democratic design.

I need small quantities to get this series on its feet but the costs for these smaller runs with local production houses are cost prohibitive. For these pieces to see the inside of any design shop or home I'm going to have to produce them myself to minimize costs. The basic tools I need for a first edition production run of the selected designs are a kiln, kiln furniture and slip mixer.

Even if you might not need one of these products yourself, keep in mind these designs
make wonderful gifts that come with a great story and deeper meaning.

Milestones:

Any pledges beyond the basic slipcasting requirements will go towards a desktop CNC router so I don't have to outsource that process of the project, making it a true "digital ceramics" production shop. Adding a desktop CNC mill to the process would bring the total required to $7,600.

Secondary to the CNC would be adding a Hobby Laser Cutter which would allow me to create my own retail packaging in-house as well as assisting in other parts of the production process. This would bring the idealized total to $10,300 for a full service cottage industry digital ceramics design and production studio.

Thanks so much for taking a look at my digital ceramics project, I hope it gets you as excited as its gotten me.

Pledge Rewards:

For your support in making this possible I'd like to thank you with a piece from the end result of the project. There's a number of designs to choose from at a variety of pledge amounts so that hopefully anyone can contribute if they want to see these designs made.

In addition to the products, I also want to offer a special opportunity in facilitating the development and creation of your own design using a digital ceramics process. You'll get the mold so you can have even more pieces cast later. It requires a very generous pledge but you'll be employing your own personal product designer to make your design idea come to life and my hope is that you'll find that opportunity worth every penny.

(Shipping is already included in all domestic pledges)

International backers please see each pledge for details.

The Products:

Its important to me that you trust the quality of my work. I've been operating as a design/build studio on the side for 2 years to subsidize my tuition with a 100% satisfaction rating and the following are unsolicited comments on my work:

"GORGEOUS! Really, just absolutely gorgeous!"

"This piece is positively true in form and elegance. Its ability to
complete an interior is highly mentionable. Friends of mine who have
seen this marvelous vase cannot help but to take notice of its
uniqueness. Its simplicity calls to its wondrous quality. Thank you
Matt."

"Sleek, simple, solid and extravagantly beautiful. Thank you."

Thank you so much for your consideration and I hope you've found all this interesting (and beautiful). - Matt port rhombus design

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

DETAILED PDF BOOKLET ON PROCESS AND RESOURCES - While I tried to make my video somewhat didactic for those interested, there's a lot to learn for many. For this pledge amount I'll send you a digital .pdf booklet with a detailed description of the research I completed to design these pieces and which gives you the details and resources you need to introduce these concepts into your own practice. Maybe also a nice gift for that ceramicist in your life?

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

CUSTOM LASER CUT/ENGRAVE FABRICATION SERVICE
By helping me with my goal I will help you with yours via CNC Laser Fabrication at a very low rate - $25 per hour actual cutting time. Email with any specific questions. I can provide CAD work, Labor and Material Sourcing at the special rate of $18/hr. The amount you pledge will be a cumulative credit towards this one time offer at this low pricing. You will be expected to pay actual shipping costs of final product. Laser dimensions 12"x24", Engraving or Cutting in proper materials up to 1/4".

(Ponoko charges between $81 and $120 an hour)
Check FAQ and Updates for additional info.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $35 or more
About $35

CUSTOM CNC FABRICATION is extremely expensive for production (typical $80/hr average). By helping me with my goal I will help you with yours via CNC Fabrication at a very low rate - $35 per hour actual milling time. I will also work in many materials that are hard to find fabricators to process. Email with any specific questions. I can provide CAD work, Labor and Machining operations at the special rate of $18/hr. The amount you pledge will be a cumulative credit towards this one time offer at this low pricing. You will be expected to pay actual shipping costs of final product. CNC milling dimensions 4'x4', 2D or 3D operations possible. (Hardwood, Plywood, Foam, Plastics, Corian etc - Sorry, no Metals)
(Ponoko charges between $81 and $120 an hour)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

BLUE MOUTH SINGING VASE -

A favorite from the investigation, the Blue Mouth "Singing" Vase is left as a beautiful natural porcelain for the exterior with a pop of blue at the mouth from the glazed interior of the vessel. Works wonderfully as an art object or as a functional flower vase.

[Outside US/CA - Please allow an extra $10 for shipping on this item.]

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $55 or more
About $55

FACET HANGING LAMP or PLANTER -

Agreeably one of the most striking designs from the series this gorgeous and versatile faceted object can be used as either a porcelain flower pot or a hanging lamp shade. The piece comes with a light fixture, ready to use, which can be easily removed for use as a flower pot as you see fit. I have high hopes for this design - here's your chance to get a first edition!

[Outside US/CA - Please allow an extra $10 for shipping on this item.]

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $140 or more
About $140

PORCELAIN NIGHT LIGHT or SCULPTURE -

This incredible porcelain sculptural night light was a feat to create. A handsome hardwood base houses a lighting fixture which makes the clear glazed porcelain shade glow a brilliant warm hue in the dark. Comes ready to use with a nice paddle switch. The fixture and cord may be removed if you wish to use it only as a sculptural object. Limited to 15.

[Outside US/CA - Please allow an extra $15 for shipping on this item.]

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $650 or more
About $650

PERSONALIZED DESIGN/BUILD SERVICE -

Does it all sound so cool that you absolutely have to try it yourself? Well, for this generous donation I will work with you to develop a design of your own and produce it for you in a limited run. From your communicated description, drawings or inspirational references I will give you up to 8 hours of design time creating a 3D model to your liking. From there I will CNC mill a one part mold then cast, glaze and fire a 12 piece series for you of your design. The 3D model, mold and finished product will all be yours. The model may be up to 10"x10"x3", great for a tray, plaque, artwork, bowl or ??? with unique digital detail possibilities! We can talk about production details before you commit to the pledge. I will work tirelessly to make sure that you're pleased with the results. I'd love to share in the satisfaction of this project with you!

[Outside US/CA - Please allow an extra $80 for shipping on this item.] :( I wish molds were lighter too!